And as Swansea City star Jonjo Shelvey shows here, they are more than capable of acting in the interests of others.

The former Liverpool midfielder made a young fan's day last weekend, as he invited seven-year-old Harry Jacobs along to the game with Southampton at the Liberty Stadium.

Young Harry, who suffers from Alopecia like Shelvey, wrote to the player detailing his experiences. The heartwarming letter read:

"You are amazing and scored a goal from 47 yards into the top corner. So, so, so good. I know you play for Swansea. My name is Harry and I have Alopecia like you.

"Do you like it? I think it is medium because I can’t get nits and don’t have to go to the hairdressers – which is good. I don’t really like it though. Can you come to my school please, but first to my house. I can take you to school then to meet my friends."

Jonjo Shelvey (Image: Action Images / Peter Cziborra)

Harry's mother added: "Harry has developed Alopecia really rapidly. He is a mad footy fan and has got some comfort from the fact that you are a Premiership footballer who he can look up to and see that he can still achieve incredible things.

"I would really appreciate if you could write back to him. He is going through a really tough time at the moment and it would be a real boost for him to have a response from you."

And what a response they received, as Shelvey invited Harry and his family to the Liberty for the day of a lifetime.

Shelvey said: "I know what it was like for me growing up as a boy with Alopecia. It was quite tough for me with people calling me names and things.

"I felt for Harry when I got the letter and it was nice for me to share some of my experiences with him and to try and guide him along the right lines. The best bit though was seeing the look on his face walking out with the team. He said he had a great time – and that’s so special."

Watch Harry's day out with Swansea City, his penalty at half time and meeting Jonjo Shelvey in the video above.